I had a very interesting conversation today with people of rich history and wisdom. These people hail from a diverse set of philosophies and outsets. The conversation about does God exist? What is life? What is the point of all of this? An answer to these fundamental questions is a prerequisite for answering the other big questions of life: Where did we come from? Why are we here? Do we serve a purpose? Do we have any intrinsic value? What happens after we die?
These are the questions I always wriggled with while growing up. The question of the existence of God is fundamental. The questions I had when faced with such claims was, how could I know whether it was true or not?
For one thing, how can I know that God exists only because people are telling you to? Does one have to believe in the existence of God before one makes up her own mind? After all, lots of holy books and even religious leaders make similar claims.
I initially decided to put down bits of conversation in the blog post like a good blogger but on the way to do that, I chose to halt and think a little too hard.
The existence of God is a subject of debate in the philosophy of religion, popular culture, philosophy, and regular conversations. We are all trying very hard to convince and persuade people to agree with our beliefs and dogmas.
We prefer to be around people with similar interests and sentiments to evade differences leading to monotony and life in a bubble. We strictly don’t want anyone to oppose our fixed beliefs and regulations. People that believe in God are trying to persuade non-believers and vice versa.
It’s a constant fight all over the world. How do you believe in God when you read, hear and see three-year-olds are brutally raped, attacked, cut in halves and thrown away to melt in acid? Where does God go when his loyalists pray for basic amenities in life or results? Where does God hide when wrong happens to nicest people?
And, people answer- “You just have to believe and he is there.” Other arguments for the existence of God have been cliché. “To you, I’m an atheist; to God, I’m the loyal opposition?” Everybody presents their own version of the cosmological argument.
We are all different and we present arguments against or in favor of the existence of God. One person recently said we are mere humans and we can’t define him. Ok, that’s just absurd.
However, it all comes down to karma. I believe “Karma is the law of cause and effect.” A loyal believer of God will suffer the consequences of his wrongdoings as much as a non-believer will.
A loyal believer of God can’t be acquitted of a criminal offense only because he believes in God. We can’t sit in relaxation and wait for God to do magical things for us. Believers or non- believers, Theist or atheists, our world is the result of causes and conditions.
Each individual comes into being and each disintegrates and ceases to exist, and if we trace the continuum of causes and conditions, it comes down to karma, whether positive or negative.
Karma itself is rooted in intention and motivation, so in effect, it all comes down to our state of mind. Positive consequences follow from a disciplined, calm and composed mind while undesirable experiences of pain and suffering follow from an undisciplined.
It would be comforting to know that people who commit bad karma get punished at last and that those who treat others well are happier than those who don’t. I would love to believe it, but in real life, I don’t often see actual examples of karma. Now the next question is Karma real?
Good read. Btw I read an article about a German who wrote a book on the lines like.. What’s if God is death.. Adding to the possibility.. :’)
That’s quite a possibility. What if he was one of us? Thank you for widening my horizons.
May be. :’) Well.. In your post you kinda tried to relate God to Karma. I was wondering about Abrahamic religions. Their thought process is different from Karmic ones right..
I don’t know much but Morality and religion is the relationship between religious views and morals under Abrahamic religions, I think? Many religions have value frameworks regarding personal behavior meant to guide adherents in determining between right and wrong. However, I am attempting to magnify the importance that people attach with karma in relation to god in the post. There are innumerable conditions to adhere to in our society which connotes, if you believe in god then only this will happen, if not, that will happen and then we are taught that god only helps those who helps themselves. How contradictory is that? It’s a mind-blowing concept that the God who created the Universe might be looking for company, a real relationship with people, but the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between viewpoints around. … Karma has ONE meaning that is Action, while Dharma has many meanings to it…… There is no set linear relationship between a particular action and its results. The karmic effect …Karmaphala is not a “judgment” enforced by a God, Deity or other supernatural beings that control the affairs of the Cosmos. Rather we change and control our lives when we are willing to initiate and change for the better. What do you think?
Yes.. I totally agree with the contradictory statements. Adding to that when most of the religions talk about not obsessing with materialistic things but they are okay when they obsessed with the idea of “their” god. And I am also with yu with the definition of Karma. I might be deviating a little But the real problem I feel is that we are looking for linear equation.. But end up having multiple incorrect ones. What if humans are still young or far away to figure out the complex relation..
God is not one of those materialistic things? Is he/she? I don’t know. I personally think we as humans can’t help but obsess about everything in life, Money, Big house, Expensive clothes, Perfect family, Flawless relationships and bigger cars. It is just a part of life. We could be obsessed about god too but out of choice. If it is forced and involuntary then it loses its essence. I have not figured it out yet. But I have developed my own opinions and standpoints over time. I absolutely agree that we are looking for a linear equation. But end up having multiple incorrect ones. Human beings are too cool and self-centered to admit that they haven’t yet reckoned the mysteries and complex relationships that we have been conditioned to believe in. It is always a pleasure to interact with you.
Yes. Obsession has been part of humans life. And like you.. I have also developed some standpoints but I am ready to learn/unlearn.. Like Is God.. he/she or not in equation at all.? To explain.. like the number zero which denotes nothingness.. But this nothingness has meaning only if it is coexist with something else. Thanks :’) Pleasure’s is all mine.. I am leaning a lot from your post and from our conversation.. 🙂
Well said. Nothingness has a meaning only if it coexists with something else. And, I am learning from you. It’s thrilling to have a conversation about world and its charms. Thank you being a part of it. I appreciate it.
I am happy that you could relate to that line. I felt my replies were vaguely written and wouldn’t reach you.. Btw., I feel the same way too.. 🙂
🙂
An ageless question. I believe anything is possible and nothing is possible when it comes to the unprovable. The universe is simply bigger and more complex than we will ever know with our puny brains and perceptional limitations. Even with our scientific capabilities, we’re just scratching the surface. This point of view relieves me from having to argue a position and allows me to focus on living my values, the things I believe are powerful and real – kindness, compassion, and peace. <3
I am reminded of a line from Labyrinth, “Where everything seems possible and nothing is what it seems.” However, nothing is true and everything is possible. Anything and everything is as true and real as we make it. It’s the complexity of our minds. Our minds will never truly understand the magnanimous and mysterious nature of universe and life. I personally think, In order to have a peaceful and compassionate world, we must first establish peace within ourselves. When we practice kindness, we change for the better — and so does our world. Kindness is not something that demands hard work. It originates from the simple act of doing no harm to others. We must Practice Love, Kindness, and Compassion as an antidote to attachment to the pleasure of peace. Therefore, kindness must be sewn into the framework of our DNA. Thank you <3
A beautiful response, Lovey. I quite agree. <3
Love and kindness can conquer all. <3
Is there a God?…….I do not know?
However,I can tell you what I do know……….that everyone believes they do know! When in fact,nobody actually does.
People are just saying what they want God to be.
Doesn’t work that way.
You got some wisdom teeth right there. 🙂
Great post. I detailed some very real spiritual experiences I had that could make even an Atheist a believer that there’s a higher power. Check it out, truthseekers33blog.wordpress.com